*Ailanthus altissima (P. Miller) Swingle. Common name: Tree-of-Heaven, Copal Tree, Stink-tree. Phenology: Apr-Jun; Jul-Oct. Habitat: Roadsides, forests, disturbed areas, including cities, especially in moist, fertile soils. Distribution: Native of e. Asia. In our area, this tree is now an aggressive and noxious weed, colonizing even undisturbed forests and outcompeting the native vegetation.
ID notes: Ailanthus altissima can be recognized vegetatively by its large pinnately compound leaves, very stout twigs (often over 1 cm thick), and the characteristic and unpleasant odor of the crushed foliage. It is additionally distinguishable from other woody plants with 1-pinnately compound leaves and thick twigs by the 1-several glandular-callused shallow lobes on the leaflets towards the base of the leaf and the otherwise entire leaflet margin.
Origin/Endemic status: E. and se. Asia
Synonymy ⓘ: = Ar, C, F, Fl4, FNA13, G, GrPl, Il, K4, Mi, Mo3, NcTx, NE, NY, Pa, RAB, S, Tat, Tn, Tx, Va, W, WH3; Toxicodendron altissimum Mill. — (basionym); = Ailanthus glandulosus Desf. — S13
Links to other floras: = Ailanthus altissima - FNA13
Wetland Indicator Status:
- Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FACU
- Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FACU
- Great Plains: FACU
- Midwest: FACU
- Northcentral & Northeast: UPL
Heliophily ⓘ: 6
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Horticultural Information
Intro: Tree-of-heaven, also known as ailanthus, Chinese sumac, and stinking shumac, is a rapidly growing, deciduous tree in the mostly tropical quassia family (Simaroubaceae). Mature trees can reach 80 feet or more in height. Ailanthus has smooth stems with pale gray bark, and twigs which are light chestnut brown, especially in the dormant season. Its large compound leaves, 1-4 feet in length, are composed of 11-25 smaller leaflets and alternate along the stems. Each leaflet has one to several glandular teeth near the base. In late spring, clusters of small, yellow-green flowers appear near the tips of branches. Seeds are produced on female trees in late summer to early fall, in flat, twisted, papery structures called samaras, which may remain on the trees for long periods of time. The wood of ailanthus is soft, weak, coarse-grained, and creamy white to light brown in color. All parts of the tree, especially the flowers, have a strong, offensive odor, which some have likened to peanuts or cashews. <p> Identification tip:Look for the notched "tooth" at the base of each leaflet.</p>
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description: Tree-of-heaven, also known as ailanthus, Chinese sumac, and stinking shumac, is a rapidly growing, deciduous tree in the mostly tropical quassia family (Simaroubaceae). Mature trees can reach 80 feet or more in height. Ailanthus has smooth stems with pale gray bark, and twigs which are light chestnut brown, especially in the dormant season. Its large compound leaves, 1-4 feet in length, are composed of 11-25 smaller leaflets and alternate along the stems. Each leaflet has one to several glandular teeth near the base. In late spring, clusters of small, yellow-green flowers appear near the tips of branches. Seeds are produced on female trees in late summer to early fall, in flat, twisted, papery structures called samaras, which may remain on the trees for long periods of time. The wood of ailanthus is soft, weak, coarse-grained, and creamy white to light brown in color. All parts of the tree, especially the flowers, have a strong, offensive odor, which some have likened to peanuts or cashews. <p> Identification tip:Look for the notched "tooth" at the base of each leaflet.</p>
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native range: northern & western China